Chapter 25 – Broken

Standing at the airport, she was starting to doubt that she did the right thing. Angela and Booth were there, and she didn't really want to say goodbye to either of them. But what hurt the most was seeing the look in Booth's eyes. He hadn't said anything, but she knew he wanted her to stay. He was both stunned, and hurt by her sudden decision.

As she stood there she could see the whole scene rerun in front of her eyes.

"I've been offered a job in Peru, I accepted and I'm leaving tomorrow. I know it's sudden but I have to do this," she had blurted it out, not knowing what it would do to him.

He had just stared at her, too shocked to speak.

"It's only six months, I'll be back," she had said hoping it would make him feel better. She realized now, it had done the opposite.

"Bones, why?" he had finally managed.

"It's a great opportunity for me to…" she had trailed off as she'd seen the horrified look on his face.

"What is it?"

He hadn't answered.

"Booth?" she had insisted. "Talk to me."

"I just didn't see this coming, I can't believe you…" the words had died on his lips.

"I'm sorry, I know you want us to be together romantically but I have to take this job, maybe when I come back if you still want to. But I can't promise you anything," she had explained.

Booth had nodded numbly, but he hadn't said anything. Before she had a chance to continue, he had turned and walked away. She'd been standing there staring after him. Desperately fighting back tears.

Brennan looked at Booth, knowing how badly he wanted her to stay.

But she couldn't.

She turned away from Booth and hugged Angela. "I know you don't approve, but I really want to do this," she said. It was part lie, part truth. "I'll miss you Ange."

"Sweetie," Angela whispered. "I wish you would stay."

"I know."

"Booth does too, this is killing him, can't you see that?" Angela whispered in her friends' ear.

Brennan hated to hear her say that. But she couldn't let it affect her now.

"He'll be fine," she said. She didn't know if it was Angela or herself she was trying to convince.

Angela didn't answer. Brennan let her go, hesitating a few seconds before turning to Booth.

"Booth," she started, but didn't know how to continue. They stood like that, just watching each other.

"Bones, I..."

"I'll be back," Brennan said quickly, interrupting whatever he was about to say. "It's only six months Booth."

He just nodded.

"Don't look so sad," Brennan felt her eyes brim with tears.

"I don't want you to go Bones," he spoke in such a low voice Brennan had a hard time hearing him.

"I have to."

Booth hung his head. Brennan turned her head to throw a quick glance at Angela. But she wasn't there. Brennan was confused. Had Angela left? Sighing, she turned back to Booth.

"I'm sorry; this is not what you wanted. But I... I can't stay..."

Booth didn't look up.

"Booth," Brennan closed the gap between them, putting her arms around him. She felt Booth's arms around her too, a bit hesitant at first then he pulled her closer holding on to her as if he'd never let her go. They stood like that for a long time.

Brennan hated herself for pulling away, but if she didn't go now, she would miss her flight. She kissed Booth on the lips. It was a quick kiss; she couldn't risk anything more passionate now.

"Goodbye," a few tears slipped down her cheek as she turned, leaving him standing there.

XxxxX

Booth's heart was breaking all over again. As he stood there staring after her as she slowly disappeared into the crowd, he felt betrayed. He had actually believed her when she'd said she'd wait for him. He had suffered for three years, the tiny ray of hope the only thing that kept him alive. He had waited for her, and she had left him all alone.

Booth felt like crying. He felt weak, he could barely breathe. Staggering to the nearest bench, he collapsed onto it. He leant forward, resting his elbows on his thighs, head buried in his hands.

Six months, and then what? What would happen when she came back? It wouldn't change anything. If she didn't want him now, then she certainly wouldn't want him then. Booth's heart ached. She didn't want him. He had given her everything he could. He'd really tried. But it hadn't been enough.

Maybe he had been too boring? Sure, he hadn't been the happiest person to be around, but he'd thought Brennan had understood. Had he been wrong? Had she been with him out of pity?

Booth pressed his eyes shut, trying desperately to not let the pain through. He couldn't cry. He couldn't let anything like this bring him down again. He wasn't sure he would survive any more bad news. He just couldn't bear to love and lose again. He had loved Parker with all his heart and not even that had been enough.

Maybe it was for the best that Brennan had left him. He wanted so badly to tell himself that. But why did it hurt so much then? Booth knew the answer. He loved her. He truly did. She was everything he had now, the only thing that meant something to him. And now she was... gone?

Booth just didn't understand. How could she do that to him? He'd thought she cared.

Booth knew he should leave, but he just couldn't find the strength to move. What did he have to go back to? When Brennan had left, she had taken Booth's heart with her, and without it, nothing really mattered anymore. What did freedom mean when Brennan was no part of it?

"You can take away all the love, what do I need it for?
You can take away all these words, there's no meaning anymore
You can take away everything; leave me lying on the floor..."

XxxxX

TBC

A/N Ok, this chapter almost made me cry. I have to remind you here, no killing of the author, ok? Because if you do, you won't get to read the next happier chapter ; )

Song: "Broken" – Leona Lewis